The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
"Someway, baby, it's part of me, apart from me"
You're laying waste to Halloween
You fucked it friend, it's on its head, it struck the street
You're in Milwaukee, off your feet
And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
Strayed above the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles
3rd and Lake, it burnt away, the hallway
Was where we learned to celebrate
Automatic bought the years you'd talk for me
That night you played me Lip Parade
Not the needle, nor the thread, the lost decree
Saying nothing, that's enough for me
And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
Hulled far from the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles
Christmas night, it clutched the light, the hallow bright
Above my brother, I and tangled spines
We smoked the screen to make it what it was to be
Now to know it in my memory
And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
High above the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles
You're laying waste to Halloween
You fucked it friend, it's on its head, it struck the street
You're in Milwaukee, off your feet
And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
Strayed above the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles
3rd and Lake, it burnt away, the hallway
Was where we learned to celebrate
Automatic bought the years you'd talk for me
That night you played me Lip Parade
Not the needle, nor the thread, the lost decree
Saying nothing, that's enough for me
And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
Hulled far from the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles
Christmas night, it clutched the light, the hallow bright
Above my brother, I and tangled spines
We smoked the screen to make it what it was to be
Now to know it in my memory
And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
High above the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles
Lyrics submitted by thuglifeforevs, edited by musemadness, 1name
Holocene Lyrics as written by Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
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I think it's about doing too many substances from time to time (and in certain places) and feeling bad about that when you realize you messed up in doing so. A "Holocene" sounds like a "hollow scene" - a place that's bad. "Laying waste to Halloween", "you fucked it friend, it's on its head, it struck the street", "you're in Milwaukee, off your feet", "the hallway/was where we learned to celebrate", "not the needle (not the thread)", "we smoked the screen to make it what it was to be/now to know it in my memory" -- all could suggest a bit too much partying ... as well as the obvious realization "and at once I knew I was not magnificent." Maybe it was seeing natural beauty from a great height that made him feel "not magnificent" -- but a beautiful view usually makes you feel good, not bad... so the seeing "for miles, miles, miles" is probably looking back at his own life.
But let's let the man speak for himself -- according to the Wikipedia entry for "Holocene":
Front man Justin Vernon explained the song title in an interview with Mojo: "It's partly named after the (geological) era, but it's also the name of a bar in Portland where I had a dark night of the soul." He also stated that "the title is a metaphor for when you're not doing well. But it's also a song about redemption and realizing that you're worth something; that you're special and not special at the same time."[4] 4^ a b "Holocene by Bon Iver Songfacts". Songfacts. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
"He also stated that "the title is a metaphor for when you're not doing well. But it's also a song about redemption and realizing that you're worth something; that you're special and not special at the same time."[4] ...it's a GREAT song and I love his music. It amazes me how many people will listen to a musician over God, who said the very same thing about all His children:) I believe the song is about introspection. When we are able to look deep into our souls and accept ourselves for who we are, only then do our eyes open wide and we can see for miles. (That's my take on it anyway:)
I just read more of the entries and was surprised to read that he actually said it WAS about drinking and smoking pot ... among many other (bigger) things, obviously!